As a person in a wheelchair who has participated in three runDisney 5K’s I was very intrigued with the story about Courteney and Dan Boyle running in the Glass Slipper Challenge this year. Up until now runDisney has not allowed wheelchairs or strollers in any event longer then a 5K (3.1 miles). Even the rules for 5K’s have changed since my first run in 2012 with the elimination of jogging strollers in any runDisney event and as of this posting date you must use a self-propelled racing wheelchair. (Author’s note: policy may be updated based on the Boyle’s run, will update if policy changes in future)

The Glass Slipper Challenge (GSC) consists of running the 10K (6.2 miles) on Saturday and a half marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday. After you finish each run you receive a beautiful participation medal and then a challenge medal for completing both events during the Princess Half Marathon weekend in February.

Earlier this year my Mom, Vanessa Prince, was training for the GSC when she came across the Boyles’ story and shared it with me. We were excited for the Boyles as we have to get permission to run with my wheelchair in the runDisney 5Ks. My Mom reached out to Dan Boyle and told him my story about running at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. She explained how the Expo and races would work and gave him some advice on possible transportation issues. As part of the WDWRadio Running Team, she asked if Dan and Courteney would like to stop and get a group photo with the WDW Radio Running Team. Unfortunately, due to transportation problems, the running team was unable to meet the Boyles. Before the GSC, Dan was not aware of WDW Radio, Lou Mongello or the WDW Radio Running Team and the funds they raise for Make-A-Wish through The Dream Team Project.

Prior to the Glass Slipper Challenge at the runDisney Princess Half Marathon, I asked Dan Boyle if I could write a blog post about his adventure in running with Courteney. I would like to personally thank the Boyle family for being persistent with runDisney in making Courteney’s dream come true and for paving the way for other wheelchair participants.

Following are the questions that I asked Dan Boyle regarding the runDisney Princess Glass Slipper Challenge 2016 at WDW. We look forward to more adventures in running with Dan and Courteney.

We are so excited to hear about your participation in the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Can you give a little background information on Courteney?

Courteney is 15 years old and has Moebius Syndrome and suffers from intestinal failure – so two diagnosis

Has your family been to Walt Disney World before?

We have been to Disney World for Courteney’s Make-A-Wish trip in 2006, for a special Christmas trip in 2009, and for brother, Kevin’s, Make-A-Wish trip in 2014

Who traveled with you for this adventure?

Only the three of us, Courteney, her Mom Christine, and myself went. Our son, with his needs, could not join us. We NEVER would have made it out of the hotel by [3:30] AM each morning had he!!!

Is Courteney a Disney fan, and who is her favorite?

Courteney is a huge Disney Fan!!! Her absolute favorite is Mickey Mouse with Princesses Cinderella and Rapunzel in close second. Rounding it out would be Gaston!

Which character did Courteney enjoy meeting?

On this trip Courteney enjoyed meeting every character on the runDisney course, especially Lady Tremaine and the Wicked Stepsisters! At the park it was Tinker Bell at the top of the list this year

How did you hear about runDisney races last year? Why did you decide on the Glass Slipper Challenge?

We learned about runDisney races by accident when on a third party’s website looking at that group’s particular fundraisers for the year. We saw that they were having a running team for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon weekend in February 2015. We decided on the Glass Slipper Challenge, as opposed to other runDisney races, because the Princess theme of the weekend fits Courteney best!

Was this your first half marathon? or did you run one before as part of your training?

This was both mine and Courteney’s first half marathon. In training I had never planned on more than an 11 mile run.

When you trained did you run alone or take Courteney every time?

Because we live in Cleveland, and the event was in February, all training was without Courteney. My goal was to get in my best physical shape, getting my times down, knowing that by adding her, my time would then go back up!

I read that a special running wheelchair was provided for you to use? How/who arranged for the chair? Can we name the company in the article?

A running wheelchair was indeed provided. We had never thought of one in the past based mostly on cost. The founder of Ainsley’s Angels of America provided us with a brand new chair to use for the weekend. It was a gift for making it possible for Ainsley’s Angels of America runners and pushers to be included in future runDisney events.

Was the running wheelchair easy to use since you did not get to practice with it?

I tried it out at the house, got Courteney comfortable in it, and had no issue at all in using at the event. It was so easy to push and maneuver!

What was your/Courteney’s favorite memory of the Princess Weekend?

There are too many to list!!! One, it was incredible when other runners on our first bus trip to the first day’s run knew of Courteney and her story and cheered for her on that ride! Two, it was crazy awesome when Courteney and I were led to the front of the 10K starting area for the run. Thousands of runners cheered her on as we made our way to the starting position. Three, on day two it was unreal when we entered into the Magic Kingdom! Seeing the castle in pink and purple was breathtaking! Running through the castle and meeting lots of characters in the park was so awesome. Also, having Christine at the finish line both days to award us our medals was priceless!

How did the other participants in the runs react to you and Courteney?

See above! Plus, and I cannot even explain how this happened, but hundreds and hundreds of runners and spectators cheered her on by name on the courses! Somehow, they knew her story and who she was and cheered for her and her participation!

What was Courteney’s reaction and yours when you ran across the finish line?

We were both crazy excited to finish, plus having mom there to award Courteney her medals was so incredible of a bonus!

Can you tell me more about the special Mickey Mouse medal that Courteney received?

So, before our trip, I set up an “In-room” Triumph Celebration. Disney offers this add-on and I purchased it. It gave her the medal, personalized certificate, balloons, and banners…all celebrating her accomplishment for completing the Glass Slipper Challenge.

How was your experience with the transportation to/from the races?

The transportation to and from the races was the low-light of the trip. Unfortunately, the buses chartered to get participants to and from the races were not wheelchair accessible. There was lots of miscommunication as to when accessible ones would be sent. We were late both mornings to the race, and on Sunday, the return to the hotel was also much delayed when an accessible vehicle could not be secured.

I see you ran the half in pretty good time. Were you able to make character stops? Which was your favorite?

We had a great time for the half, considering there was two of us! Our time for the 10K was a faster pace per mile on Saturday, but Sunday wasn’t too bad either! I told Courteney that we’d run fast in the parking lots between Epcot and MK and then slow down inside MK to enjoy the sights, the sounds, and all of the characters! So we did! We made every character stop along the Half-Marathon course! Totally awesome! Our favorite…probably Belle and Beast, but we honestly loved every one of them!

How was your visit to the Magic Kingdom?

The visit was short and incredibly sweet. We had just the chance go to the MK the day of the half-marathon. While Courteney and I were pretty tired, she was a trooper! She pretty much stayed awake all day and enjoyed every moment of it! We met Mickey, Anna, Elsa, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Tinker Bell. We did Belle’s Storybook Time, rode It’s a Small World, Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride, and plenty of others! Then we finished the night with great viewing of the SpectroMagic Parade…one of our absolute faves! Best part…lots of people in the park knew of Courteney from the races too! Crazy!!! All in all, a tremendous day!

What was Give Kids The World Village like? Had you been there before? Can you explain it a little to me as I have never been there myself.

Our visit on the Friday before the two runs to Give Kids the World was so awesome! We got to spend the day there and visit a place that we had previously stayed for both of our children’s Make-A-Wish trips. You can only stay at Give Kids the World if you are on a Wish trip to Disney, but you can always return for a day as an alumni, and that is exactly what we did with Courteney that day. But, since GKTW is writing a story on Courteney’s run, we got to meet with the writer of that article and she even gave us a behind the scenes look at GKTW. Being able to do that, coupled with a trip to the Ice Cream Palace, fun on the Carousel at the Castle of Miracles and on Lori’s Magical Flight, and dinner at Towne Hall, all made for an excellent day visiting our favorite place we’ve ever stayed! To learn more about GKTW you can visit their website at http://gktw.org.

Do you think you will run another runDisney race? Which one?

YES!!!! We WILL run another runDisney race. At this time, we’re planning on the Disney Princess Half-Marathon Weekend 2017.

Can you tell me who you raised donations for again? How much did you raise in donations?

We raised money for a young lady named Rina. Please check out our link on Crowdrise to read more on her story! We raised over $10,000 on Crowdrise, with over $11,500 total. The link with Rina’s story is still active and can be found at www.crowdrise.com/runningforrina

Please watch a story on Courteney and Dan Boyle:

I hope you enjoyed my Q&A with Dan Boyle and his daughter, Courteney, about being the first non-racing wheelchair participant at the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Please be sure to look into the WDWRadio Running Team and Dream Team Project. I am hoping to meet up with the Boyle family as we both live in Northern Ohio.

Andrew is an 18-year-old senior in high school from Ohio. He was born with cerebral palsy and gets around in a wheelchair. He has been to both US Disney parks, several D23 events and is a DCL Gold Castaway Club member. If you would like to contact him feel free to e-mail him at arprince@bex.net or look him up on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/andrew.prince.7161 and on Twitter https://twitter.com/Andrew1arp

The Disney Princess Half-Marathon debuted in 2009 and is 13.1 miles in length

The Disney Princess Half-Marathon is designed for women (Men can, and do, participate in the race but are not eligible to receive awards)

The Disney Princess Half-Marathon route is similar to the (VERY popular) Walt Disney World Half Marathon – starting outside Epcot, going up and through the Magic Kingdom, and back to Epcot.

The finisher’s medal is shaped like a princess’s tiara and crowned with (faux) jewels.

Other Notable Disney Dates:

February 26, 2009 – A new online check-in service is introduced by the Walt Disney World Resort to help simplify arrivals. This new service is free to all guests staying in WDW Resort hotels and certain DVC resorts.

February 28, 1986 – Eric Larson, one of Walt’s “Nine Old Men” and veteran animator, retires at the age of 81.

February 29, 2012 – Disneyland California and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World remains open for 24 hours; from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. March 1, 2012 to celebrate Leap Year – a first in Disney history

March 1, 1999 – a third drop is added to the Tower of Terror’s drop sequence, providing more thrills for its guests

March 2, 1976 – The 50-millionth guest, Susan Brummer, is welcomed to Walt Disney World

March 2, 2009 – Construction begins on two new ships for The Disney Cruise Line

March 3, 1983 – the first incarnation of the attraction, Journey into Imagination, debuts at EPCOT.

Question of the Week:

Participants who successfully complete the Disney Princess Half-Marathon are eligible to receive an additional medal. What is this and how is it obtained?

Candra Spirtoff and Megan Voisard are identical twins, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. They both graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Candra with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Assisting and Megan with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. They currently work as a paralegals for a local law firm. Their passion is anything and everything Disney, and they have visited WDW almost every year since 1988, at the age of four.

With the Princess Half Marathon this coming weekend (February 26th), I thought now would be a good time to write a few words about getting to the Start Line on race morning. These tips are based on my many previous experiences at endurance events at Walt Disney World, but may not exactly reflect how things will function on Princess Marathon morning (the folks at runDisney are always tinkering)…in any case, I’ll bet my Mouse Ears that 99.5% of the advice below will still be accurate!

Tip #1 – Nothing New On Half Marathon Day! – While I know this occurs before you are attempting to get to the Start Line for your coronation & crowning, it should be emphasized that you should not be using anything new (to you) on Half Marathon day. No shoes you haven’t run in before…no fancy blinged-out socks you picked up at the Expo…no Gels you haven’t used before…NOTHING! I am bringing this up for you Half Marathoners because many of you are putting together Princess (or other) costumes to run in. I LOVE seeing this on the course, and have done it myself previously (although not as a Princess…yet), but you should do at least one “test run” of 3-to-5 miles just to make sure you aren’t going to experience any unexpected chafing on Half Marathon Day. [For those male WDW Radio Princesses-To-Be running the 5K (including Lou), you don’t need to do a “test run”, but you do need to wear the costumes provided to you.]

Tip #2 – If you have a car…DRIVE IT (to the Epcot parking lot)! – I cannot repeat enough how much of the energy you want/need to complete the Princess Half Marathon can be “eaten up” by undo stress. Driving your own car has multiple benefits: 1) You are much more in control of when you leave, 2) You won’t have to wait out in the cold for a bus, 3) After you finish, you can get back to your Resort without waiting for another bus with tired legs.

Tip #3 – The earlier you get to the Epcot parking lot / Start area, the better! – If you take the buses, try to get on the first available. Repeating from Tip #2 –> stress is your enemy, and getting to the Epcot Start area early will help keep your stress level low, plus it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy all of the “Pre-Start” entertainment the runDisney folks have in store for you. Your crowning as a Princess includes all of the festivities, not just the 13.1 miles of the Half Marathon course! This is also a good time to eat a banana, drink some water or sports drink, take pictures, etc.

Tip #4 – As soon as you reach the Epcot Start area, get in line for the Porta Potties! – Even though you probably “went” before you left for the Epcot Start area, trust me, by the time you reach the front of the Porta Potty line you will want/need to go again. There are some Porta Potties on the way to the Corrals / Start as well, but waiting until the last minute to “go” can add more unnecessary stress to your morning.

Tip #5 – When they tell you it is time to get to the Corrals / Start, get moving! – While it is going to seem like you are being asked to get to your Corral / Start way too early, you will be having to walk about 3/4 of a mile from the Epcot Start area to get to the Corrals & Start Line. Give yourself plenty of time to drop off your gear check bag (if you have one to drop off), and get to your Corral so that you’ll be comfortable and as relaxed as is Princess-ly possible prior to the Start. I have always found this walk to be great for working out a bit of the pre-event jitters and just get the blood flowing to all of the muscles you’ll be using to complete your event.

Tip #6 – When you have the opportunity…SIT DOWN! – This goes for the Epcot Start area and the Corrals. You are going to be on your feet for 13.1 miles today, and you want to save as much energy as possible to do just that. I often bring a towel with me to sit on in the Epcot Start area which I place in my gear check bag (useful if it rains or when I am just a sweaty mess after the event). When you get to the Corrals, you should just go ahead and sit on the ground (if you are wearing a garbage bag to keep out the early morning chill, as mentioned during WDW Radio Episode #252 and in one of my previous blogs, you should be able to sit on the “tail” of your bag). You can also do a little stretching (no more than 5-7 minutes) if you want to. Just remember –> more time standing prior to your Half Marathon = less energy during your Half Marathon.

Now you are in the Corral waiting for the Start…just keep breathing and enjoying the moment. You should feel confident from all of your preparation that you are ready for the day. Also think of the Wish(es) you are fulfilling by being a part of the Dream Team Project, and celebrate your entire Half Marathon EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! [And for those of you who aren’t part of the Dream Team Project and the WDW Radio Running Team –> click HERE and find out more! Join us!!!]

Have fun out there Royal Dream Team-ers!

Happy is a life-long Disney enthusiast who is also an endurance “athlete”. He has completed 4 Goofy Challenges, and 12 Disney Endurance events so far (in addition to other Half / Full Marathons). He has successfully coached hundreds of Half / Full Marathoners to a successful completion of their event. Currently Happy is training for Ironman New Zealand which takes place on March 3, 2012. When he isn’t training, Happy is surrounded by his wife, Pattie, two Golden Retrievers (Mocha & Kona), and his Disney watch + medal collection. He can be reached for all running questions at wdwradiorun@gmail.com.